Champions League draw: Arsenal face Real Madrid as Manchester City get Barcelona

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Arsenal face mouthwatering assignments against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as they bid to go one better than last season’s agonising near miss and win a first Champions League title.Mikel Arteta’s side were pipped on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain in the final three months ago and will be expected to cruise through this season’s league phase. The bulk of their draw appears kind but they are tasked with a visit to the Allianz Arena to play Bayern, who they beat 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium last November, and host Real, who are once again under the charge of José Mourinho.

Their other away fixtures involve trips to Napoli, Slavia Prague and a reunion with their ex-player Hector Bellerin at Real Betis.Manchester City will swiftly renew acquaintances with Rodri when they visit Barcelona during Enzo Maresca’s first Champions League campaign in charge. They visit Lask, the newcomers who sensationally defeated Celtic on Tuesday, along with Club Brugge, Fenerbahce and Inter in a relatively kind-looking set of games.Aston Villa, decimated in recent weeks by the departures of key players, will hope to have strengthened sufficiently for a home tie with PSG and a visit to Barcelona.

Unai Emery will also take his team to Club Brugge, Galatasaray and Slavia Prague.While Chelsea did not qualify for European competition this season, their home will still host Champions League football. Real Madrid are the most high-profile of their four visitors, meaning Mourinho will return to his old stomping ground.PSG’s bid to win a third successive Champions League title involves home league games against Barcelona, Roma, Galatasaray and Slovan Bratislava, as well as trips to Villarreal, Como, City and Villa.The first set of fixtures will be played on 8 and 9 September.